Fluid And Non-fluid Actuators Patents (Class 251/14)
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Patent number: 6732996Abstract: A gas cylinder valve comprises a valve body (10) having a valve chamber (30), an inlet passage (28) and an outlet passage (34) therein. An obturating body (38) is movable relative to a valve seat (40) in the valve body. A valve stem (48) is connected to the obturating body for moving the latter between a closed position, wherein the obturating body sits on the valve seat so as to seal gas discharge through the valve seat, and an open position, wherein the obturating body is spaced from the valve seat so as to allow gas discharge from the gas cylinder through the valve seat. A first diaphragm member (50) forms a flexible wall of the valve chamber. It is mechanically connected to the valve stem, so that a reciprocating movement of the valve stem elastically deforms the first diaphragm member. The inlet passage is in direct pressure communication with the valve chamber, so that the valve chamber is under gas cylinder pressure when the valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Ceodeux Ultra Pure Equipment Technology S.A.Inventor: Paul Kremer
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Patent number: 6684897Abstract: A subsea actuator and method is disclosed that includes all moving components mounted in a compact, concentric configuration. The subsea actuator is highly reliable and will operate at depth even with zero valve body cavity pressure. A preferably cup-shaped spring pusher is provided in telescoping relationship to the hydraulic chamber. A piston position indicator is provided which is connected externally to the hydraulic piston cylinder to avoid the possibility of hydraulic leaks due to the piston indicator. A manual override may be provided with a manual override indicator. The manual override indicator has a shorter travel length than the manual override operating stem to thereby reduce the overall length of the manual override assembly. The driving stem provides a removable connection to the hydraulic piston from the top of the actuator housing and a quick disconnect permits disconnection of the driving stem from the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc.Inventor: Alagarsamy Sundararajan
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Patent number: 6659419Abstract: A modular portion (71) of a hydraulic valve actuator (64) comprises a hollow cylinder portion (74), a piston (78), a cylinder head portion (80), and a piston retainer portion (88). The piston (78) is located in the cylinder portion (74), and the piston (78) is adapted to slidably fit in the cylinder portion (74). The cylinder head portion (80) closes a second end (110) of the cylinder portion (74). The piston retainer portion (88) is located at an interior surface (134) of the cylinder portion (74) and at a first end (106) of the cylinder portion (74). Part of the piston retainer portion (88) extends radially inward relative to the interior surface (134) of the cylinder portion (74) farther than a portion of the piston (78) such that the piston (78) cannot slide completely past the piston retainer portion (88).Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: HP&T Products, Inc.Inventor: Vijay Chatufale
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Patent number: 6631880Abstract: A preventative stop valve system for a wheeled trailer carrying hydraulic equipment is disclosed comprising a stop valve fitted for insertion in-line into the hydraulic line servicing the trailer equipment; the stop valve comprising a reciprocating piston moveable between open and closed positions. The stop valve is connected to the pressurized air line extending to the air brakes of the trailer. Actuation of the stop valve is controlled pneumatically by the setting and release of the air brakes of the trailer by the operator, utilizing conventional controls for the air brakes. A manual override mechanism is further provided for opening the stop valve manually in the event that the hydraulic equipment carried by the trailer must be utilized when pressurized air line to the trailers is disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Leroy J. Kandel
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Patent number: 6585230Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Siemens Canada LimitedInventor: Paul D. Perry
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Publication number: 20030116732Abstract: A modular portion (71) of a hydraulic valve actuator (64) comprises a hollow cylinder portion (74), a piston (78), a cylinder head portion (80), and a piston retainer portion (88). The piston (78) is located in the cylinder portion (74), and the piston (78) is adapted to slidably fit in the cylinder portion (74). The cylinder head portion (80) closes a second end (110) of the cylinder portion (74). The piston retainer portion (88) is located at an interior surface (134) of the cylinder portion (74) and at a first end (106) of the cylinder portion (74). Part of the piston retainer portion (88) extends radially inward relative to the interior surface (134) of the cylinder portion (74) farther than a portion of the piston (78) such that the piston (78) cannot slide completely past the piston retainer portion (88).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Vijay Chatufale
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Patent number: 6575426Abstract: A valve system and method is disclosed that includes, in one preferred embodiment, a compact valve system that may be configured in many different ways so as to be especially suitable for conforming to the dimensional requirements of many particular subsea installations such as lower riser packages. Thus, the height of the hydraulic actuator and/or manual override operators can be varied depending on the necessary configuration. However, operation of the manual override operators is the same as previously utilized subsea manual override operators. In one presently preferred embodiment, a hydraulic actuator which may be a fail-safe actuator, is connected to a gate valve utilizing an operating stem which extends through a first bonnet secured to one side of a gate valve body. A moveable gate is attached to the operating stem and is therefore operably connected for control by the hydraulic actuator. On an opposite side of the gate valve body, a second bonnet is secured.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc.Inventor: Alagarsamy Sundararajan
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Patent number: 6543471Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shutting off a water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water-collecting tray adapted to be positioned beneath a water heater, and a float mechanism removably attachable to the tray. The float mechanism has a float adapted to reside within the tray. An arm extends from the float, and terminates in a trigger extremity located outside the tray. The trigger extremity is positioned to push upwardly upon a holding block that secures an extremity of a coil spring. The holding block also secures a tether that extends to an operating lever of a water shut-off valve. When the float rises in the tank, it causes the trigger extremity to release the coil spring in tensioned state from the holding block. Such action pulls the operating lever downwardly, causing shut-off of the water supply.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: James H. Carroll
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Publication number: 20030034465Abstract: A gate valve actuator that utilizes a mounting ring interposed between the valve bonnet and actuator housing to allow the mounting of different sizes and types of gate valve actuators onto a given gate valve and providing rotation with respect thereto is disclosed. A split retainer ring allows the coupling between the actuator and valve bonnet to avoid the use of bolts subject to corrosion and failure. A first embodiment uses a pneumatically operated diaphragm to provide a force for opening the valve. Other embodiments use pneumatically and hydraulically powered pistons. Another embodiment shows the use of multiple springs to augment the closing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventors: Keith M. Adams, Todd J. Mosley, Davy G. Pampell, Kennard W. Taylor
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Publication number: 20030030017Abstract: A valve system and method is disclosed that includes, in one preferred embodiment, a compact valve system that may be configured in many different ways so as to be especially suitable for conforming to the dimensional requirements of many particular subsea installations such as lower riser packages. Thus, the height of the hydraulic actuator and/or manual override operators can be varied depending on the necessary configuration. However, operation of the manual override operators is the same as previously utilized subsea manual override operators. In one presently preferred embodiment, a hydraulic actuator which may be a fail-safe actuator, is connected to a gate valve utilizing an operating stem which extends through a first bonnet secured to one side of a gate valve body. A moveable gate is attached to the operating stem and is therefore operably connected for control by the hydraulic actuator. On an opposite side of the gate valve body, a second bonnet is secured.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Alagarsamy Sundararajan
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Publication number: 20030025094Abstract: A gate valve comprises a valve body which includes a stem bore that extends therethrough and a seat bore that extends therethrough and intersects the stem bore generally transversely. A stem is disposed in the stem bore and includes a first stem portion that is sealed to the stem bore, a second stem portion that is sealed to the stem bore, and a gate pocket that is located between the first and second stem portions. First and second seats are each positioned at least partially within the seat bore proximate the gate pocket and each include a flow bore that extends therethrough. The gate valve also includes a gate which is disposed within the gate pocket between the first and second seats, a first actuator for moving the gate from a first position to a second position, and a second actuator for moving the gate from the second position to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Taylor L. Jones, Philip Hernandez, Archie L. Smith, David E. Cain, Gregory L. Glidden, Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Paul P. Luangraj
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Patent number: 6513541Abstract: A pipeline vent valve comprising a body (13) defining a chamber (A) having an inlet (17) towards its lower end which is adapted to be connected to a pipeline and an outlet (21) towards its upper end, the outlet defined by a valve seat, a first valve member (23) supported in the chamber to be moveable between a first position at which it is in sealing engagement with the valve seat and a second position at which it is out of engagement with the valve seat, the first valve member in its movement to the first position being responsive to the magnitude of the gaseous flow rate through the valve seat to be moveable to the first position on the gaseous flow rate exceeding a desired level, the first valve member also being responsive to the level of liquid in the chamber and being adapted to close when the liquid level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level, the first valve member having in opening providing communication to each side of the first valve member, a second valve member fixed to the first valve meType: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventor: Geoffrey Francis Herlihy
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Patent number: 6510825Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising at least one intake valve and/or exhaust valve moving axially between a closed position and a position of maximum opening and means for moving the valves adapted to move, on command, this valve between the closed position and the position of maximum opening, the valve movement means comprising an elastic member adapted to maintain this valve in the closed position, a hydraulic actuator selectively adapted to move this valve from the closed position to the position of maximum opening by countering the action of the elastic member, and a hydraulic circuit adapted to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic circuit comprising a delivery duct connected to the hydraulic actuator and pumping means adapted to supply pressurized fluid into the delivery duct, the pumping means comprising the elastic member and the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.Inventors: Marcello Cristiani, Nicola Morelli
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Publication number: 20020185091Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Kevin J. Kinerson, Mark A. Israel, Richard E. Vanderpoel
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Publication number: 20020148990Abstract: A preventative stop valve system for a wheeled trailer carrying hydraulic equipment is disclosed comprising a stop valve fitted for insertion in-line into the hydraulic line servicing the trailer equipment; the stop valve comprising a reciprocating piston moveable between open and closed positions. The stop valve is connected to the pressurized air line extending to the air brakes of the trailer. Actuation of the stop valve is controlled pneumatically by the setting and release of the air brakes of the trailer by the operator, utilizing conventional controls for the air brakes. A manual override mechanism is further provided for opening the stop valve manually in the event that the hydraulic equipment carried by the trailer must be utilized when pressurized air line to the trailers is disconnected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Leroy J. Kandel
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Patent number: 6416032Abstract: The present invention discloses an expansion valve of an air conditioning system for an automobile which does not employ a conventional method that opens and shuts in response to a motion of a pin and ball and can control a flow of a refrigerant and control linearly a flow rate of a refrigerant flow into an evaporator by using holes of a fixed hole plate fixed to a valve body and holes of a rotatable cam which is rotated by a motion of a pin moved upward and downward in response to a pressure difference between an outlet of an evaporator of an expansion valve and an interior of a pressure proof barrel. In the expansion valve of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a huntting phenomenon a reverse flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator and a noise caused by a ball, which have been generated in a conventional expansion valve, from creating.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.Inventor: Man Ju Oh
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Patent number: 6412750Abstract: A valve system for fluid pipes is disclosed. This valve system is designed to be operable using pneumatic pressure or using another means, such as a valve control lever or fluid pressure, in place of pneumatic pressure and is designed to be controlled easily and precisely. The valve body (20) is thus movable within the passage (13) while minimizing frictional force between the valve body and the valve housing (10). The valve control lever (50) is operated in conjunction with the annular guide groove (24) formed on the circumferential external surface of the pressure actuated flange (25) of the valve body (20). In such a case, the linear moving direction and moving distance of the valve body is determined by the rotating direction and rotating angle of the lever (50). The valve system of this invention also has a rotor (40) used for centrifugally forcing the fluid introduced into the passage. A fluid guide rod (45) axially extends along the center of the passage, thus guiding the flow of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Se Woo Conval Co., Ltd.Inventors: Duck Jo Jun, Yung Gee Do
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Patent number: 6394412Abstract: A hydraulic diaphragm valve comprising a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a diaphragm valve seating between the inlet and the outlet, a sealing diaphragm mounted in the housing and displaceable about the diaphragm valve seating, so as to close and open a flow path between the inlet and outlet, a valve control chamber and a command valve comprising a first duct communicating a one end thereof with the valve inlet, and at an opposite end thereof with a first command valve seating, a second duct communicating into one end with the valve outlet, and at an opposite end thereof, with a second command valve seating. A third duct communicates at one end with the valve control chamber and at its opposite end it selectively communicates with the first and second command valve seatings.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd.Inventors: Avi Zakai, Youval Katzman, Vladimir Ryabtsev
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Patent number: 6352239Abstract: A gate valve hydraulic actuator having a stem extension accessible from outside the actuator body to provide override operation of the gate valve, for example in the event of hydraulic failure. The stem extension is lockable to a spring compression hub in a valve open position and a valve closed position by locking dogs selectively engageable in recesses. The locking dogs are operated by a cam spindle coaxially received in the stem extension.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: FMC CorporationInventors: Gavin John Liam McIntosh, Graeme John Collie
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Publication number: 20020024033Abstract: A manual operating means for the manual emergency and/or auxiliary operation of a normally electrically or pneumatically actuated valve. Same comprises a manual operating member which in a ready for use condition is so fixed at a housing recess in the valve in a sealing manner that its inner side faces the interior of the housing recess and its outer side is accessible for the application of a manual operating force. The manual operating member is provided with venting means which, in order to avoid the establishment of gage pressure in the housing recess due to leakage, render possible the flow of air from the inner side to the outer side thereof and in the opposite direction prevent the entry of foreign matter in the opposite direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Festo Ag & Co.Inventor: Werner Burkhardt
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Patent number: 6315264Abstract: An actuation system is usable for a choke. The choke can be moved between open and closed positions by a variety of devices, including a stepping actuator. A rapid shutdown feature involving a hydraulically driven override allows the stem of the choke to be moved rapidly to close the choke. The actuator resumes its old position when the hydraulic shutdown mode is overridden, thus allowing the choke to return to its prior position before it was rapidly closed. Shutdown of the choke is rapid, while a return to its former position is gradual.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventor: Gerald Baker
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Patent number: 6227223Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable modular valve-actuator combination whereby the valve stem on the valve and the actuators are configured to be interchangeably engageable. The components of the valve-actuator are sized accordingly so that when engaged, the valve-actuator combination fits within the confines of an emergency hood located under the dome of a transportable tanker.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Provacon, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Crochet, Edward A. Sentilles, III
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Patent number: 6085770Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely opening a manual valve of a gas cylinder from a remote location. The gas cylinder is first connected to a purge system which is purged of oxygen and pressurized with an inert gas to a pressure near that of the gas cylinder. The manual valve is then engaged with a pneumatic stepper mechanism. Pneumatic fluid is supplied to the pneumatic stepper mechanism to rotate the manual valve a predetermined stepped increment. The step of supplying pneumatic fluid to the pneumatic stepper mechanism is repeated, after pausing to let the system settle, to rotate the manual valve another stepped increment. The steps of rotating and pausing are repeated until the manual valve is opened. The purge system is then vented to atmosphere through a diffuser. Both the pneumatic stepper mechanism and the purge system are fully operable from the remote location. The pneumatic stepper mechanism includes a ratchet assembly and an attachment assembly connecting the ratchet assembly to the manual valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: AGA ABInventors: James R. MacNeal, Richard D. Philpott, Matthew J. Philpott
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Patent number: 6016838Abstract: An improved valve construction having increased flow/pressure characteristics. The valve comprises a molded valve body including a plurality of body sections each having a generally flat inner surface, and the inner surfaces are disposed in contiguous relation along an interface. Each inner surface is formed with a plurality of recesses that mate with and complement recesses in the inner surface of the other body section to form a valve chamber and a connecting piston chamber. A spool valve is mounted for sliding movement in the valve chamber, while a piston having a generally oval cross-section is connected to the spool and is mounted for movement in the oval-shaped piston chamber. The inner surfaces of the body sections are also formed with a plurality of channel portions which mate and complement channel portions in the other body section to form flow channels that communicate with the valve chamber and the piston chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Mead Fluid Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Richard Wigmore
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Patent number: 6015599Abstract: This invention relates to the area of microelectromechanical systems in which electronic circuits and mechanical devices are integrated on the same silicon chip. The method taught herein allows the fabrication of thin film structures in excess of 150 microns in height using thin film deposition processes. Wafers may be employed as reusable molds for efficient production of such structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Christopher G. Keller, Mauro Ferrari
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Patent number: 5983919Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of fluids and foreign materials from a fluid handling system. The drain valve (10) comprises a reservoir (14) defining a reservoir volume (15) and a thru-port (28), in fluid communication with the reservoir volume (15), that defines an inlet (30) and terminates in a drainage valve (82) for flowthrough communications with a fluid handling system. An actuating mechanism selectively actuates a valve operator. In the preferred embodiment, a pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator (57), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes the drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selectively draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.Inventors: Lester V. Ottinger, Dennis E. Collins
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Patent number: 5975106Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel single acting, valve closing actuator that when actuated is capable of closing an attached existing plug or gate valve, one that opens and closes within one quarter turn of operation. The newly designed actuator is cylindrically quadrant shaped and utilizes an extensible air bladder to actuate an internal rigid vane, causing the attached vane shaft to rotate, thereby closing a connected existing valve. In the preferred embodiment, the air bladder is comprised of a laminate of silicone rubber bonded to an exterior coating made of Kevlar. In an alternative embodiment, two air bladders are used to provide a double acting actuator, where a remote valve reset can be accomplished. Independent stand-alone operation is provided by using a pressurized source of CO.sub.2 to inflate the air bladder and a rechargeable battery to operate the air solenoids.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventors: Douglas A. Morgan, Edward J. Turk
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Patent number: 5967163Abstract: An actuator and a method of controlling the actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator is a valve comprising a first port and a second port fluidly connected with the first port such that fluid communicates between the first port and the second port. A flexible member is operatively connected with the first port and the second port. The flexible member is movable between a first position permitting fluid communication between the first port and the second port and a second position reducing fluid communication between the first port and the second port. A first controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for moving the flexible member between the first position and the second position. A second controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for retaining the flexible member in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Jeffrey Y. Pan, Mehran Magregany
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Patent number: 5944046Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is disclosed for dumping water from a firetruck. The apparatus includes a flange sealingly secured to the firetruck, the flange defining an opening for the flow therethrough of the water. A faceplate has an inner and an outer face which define an aperture, the faceplate cooperating with the flange. A seal is disposed between the flange and the inner face of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is urged towards the flange, the flange and the inner face are sealed relative to each other. A dump valve chute is rigidly secured to the faceplate and extends through the aperture of the faceplate, the dump chute defining a valve seat. A hinge has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally connected to the inner face of the faceplate. The hinge freely pivots within the opening of the flange. A valve door has an inner and an outer surface, the valve door being pivotally secured to the hinge between the proximal and distal ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.Inventor: William Hultine
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Patent number: 5927327Abstract: A microprocessor controlled valve system is used with an EOT unit on a railcar remote from the locomotive of the train. The system includes a pressure transducer, a microprocessor unit, a valve device, a motor drive and a pneumatic drive. The microprocessor unit receives from the transducer an electrical signal indicative of actual brake pipe pressure and from the locomotive a brake command signal indicative of desired brake pipe pressure. The microprocessor unit issues a drive signal when the brake command signal requires a service brake application and an actuating signal when the brake command signal requires an emergency brake application. The valve device defines an elongated bore, a primary passage, a branch passage, an exhaust passage and an elongated valve body able to move reciprocatingly in the bore according to the operation of the drives. The primary and branch passages communicate with the brake pipe, and all of the passages communicate with the bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Angel P. Bezos, James E. Hart
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Patent number: 5881768Abstract: A valve device is used to reduce the air pressure in a brake pipe disposed on a railroad car in a train consist at a location in the train consist remote from the locomotive of the train consist. The valve device defines a primary supply passage, a branch supply passage and an exhaust passage. The primary and branch passages communicate with the brake pipe. All of the passages communicate with an elongated bore defined within the valve device. The valve device includes an adjustable first valve, a second valve, an electric motor drive and a pneumatic drive. The adjustable first valve and the second valve are both part of an elongated valve body member that can move reciprocatingly within the elongated bore. The adjustable first valve is used to vent air pressure from the brake pipe via the primary and exhaust passages at various rates of discharge. The rate of discharge is in proportion to the extent the adjustable first valve is commanded open.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Angel P. Bezos, James E. Hart
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Patent number: 5755424Abstract: A high-pressure valve comprising a piston whose upper surface is acted upon intermittently by a medium, such as air, to control vertical movement of the piston, the valve including a connection of the piston to a needle valve. The needle valve coacts with a valve seat and communicates with the inlet to a liquid delivery line through which liquid is delivered to the needle valve via a high-pressure pump and leaves through a nozzle orifice. Also provided is a rotatable device for mechanically forcing the piston to a lower position in which the needle valve is brought into abutment with the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Jan Ryd
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Patent number: 5709262Abstract: An improved system and apparatus is provided for cooling the energy source used in powering various types of semiconductor processing devices. The improved cooling system uses a solenoid valve which is electrically controlled by the processing equipment during times in which the energy source is on, or during times in which the user manually or automatically programs valve activation. The solenoid valve can be easily and readily retrofitted to any pre-existing processing device which uses an energy source and which can be electrically activated by the processing device or a user interface panel. An activated solenoid valve allows coolant to flow through the energy source in order to maintain optimal performing temperature of the energy source. An inactive valve will reroute coolant away from the energy source to ensure longevity of the system and to minimize condensation upon the energy source electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1994Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Roger A. Sikes
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Patent number: 5598864Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a tubular valve housing, a valve closure member movable between an open and a closed position, an axially shiftable flow tube for opening the valve closure member, a spring for biasing the flow tube to a closed position, a piston and cylinder assembly to move the flow tube to an open position, and a plug inserted within an opening in the valve housing. This opening is in fluid communication with the piston and cylinder assembly. The plug is adapted to be displaced from the opening to lock out the safety valve, and to establish secondary hydraulic fluid communication with an interior of the safety valve in order to operate secondary tools, such as wireline set secondary valves, inserted into the locked out safety valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Camco International Inc.Inventors: Russell A. Johnston, David A. Bilberry
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Patent number: 5570868Abstract: An improved lubricating valve for irrigation systems for automatically lubricating the turbine pump of an irrigation system when the turbine pump is running. The valve is configured to receive a pressure line from the pump and to automatically open when the pressure from the pump reaches a predetermined level indicating the pump is running and in need of lubrication. The valve also contains a manual override for manually opening the valve providing lubrication to the pump when extra lubrication is desirable, such as during preseason.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: L & M Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Lynn A. Flaming
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Patent number: 5484133Abstract: The present invention provides a manual override system for a linear magnetically operated valve assembly having a valve member reciprocally located in a valve body. A first carrier member connected to the valve member mounts a peripheral set of driven magnets. A barrier member surrounds the first carrier member and is hermetically sealed to the valve body. A second carrier member surrounds the barrier member and mounts a set of driven magnets for magnetically inducing following linear movement in the first carrier member and the valve member in response to specific linear movement of the second carrier member. The manual override system includes a piston member reciprocally located in the valve body for linear movement between the valve body and the first carrier member, the piston member having an annular skirt thereon sealingly engaging an inner bore of the valve body and defining first and second sealed chambers on respective sides thereof within the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Nova Scotia Research FoundationInventor: John B. Oliver
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Patent number: 5445613Abstract: A clamping device for obstructing the flow of fluid through a tube is disclosed which may be electrically or manually actuated in response to an electrical signal from a condition detection means associated with the tube. The clamping device may also be actuated to compress the tube gradually, providing incrementally decreasing flow through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Rocky Mountain Research, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Orth
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Patent number: 5417243Abstract: A pneumatic switching apparatus is provided for a pneumatically controlled heating ventilating and air conditioning system of the type having an air supply line for supplying low pressure air to a pneumatic receiver-controller, a receiver controller which produces pneumatic output signals in dependence on pneumatic signals from pneumatic sensing devices and controlled valves which are actuated in dependence on the output signals. The apparatus includes an elongated manifold and a spool valve extending upward through the manifold. The manifold and spool valve are formed so that the receiver controller is connected to the air handling system when the spool valve is in an operating position. The manifold and spool valve are also formed so that the receiver controller is isolated from the air handling system and the air handling system is under manual control when the spool valve is in a calibration position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1993Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Inventor: Dominic Ragona
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Patent number: 5372351Abstract: A manual override for a magnetically operated rotary valve (10) is provided. The valve includes a rotary member connected to an internal carrier (18) that carries a plurality of permanent magnets (20). A rotary drive carrier (22) also carries a plurality of permanent magnets (24) and is separated from the internal carrier (18) by a hermetic barrier member (42). At one end the barrier member (42) is affixed to a rotatable plate member (26) that is held stationary by a removable pin (64) that interconnects the plate member (26) and a support member (56) affixed to the valve body (12). Rotation limit means are constituted by a pin (40) on the driven portion of the valve which is received in a cooperating recess (36) in the plate member (26). If the valve member jams and there is not sufficient magnetically-induced torque to free the valve member then the override of the invention will come into play.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1994Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Nova Scotia Research Foundation CorporationInventor: John B. Oliver
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Patent number: 5365963Abstract: An actuating drive, particularly for control valves and shut-off valves or the like, comprising a safety device that automatically brings an actuation element into a safety position, particularly a closed position, given a limit temperature that upwardly exceeds the normal temperature range, particularly in case of fire, having a swelling compound that presses the actuation element in the direction toward the safety position when it expands and which multiplies in volume upon formation of cavities when the limit temperature is upwardly exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Samson AktiengesellschaftInventor: Heinfried Hoffmann
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Patent number: 5309934Abstract: Balanced piston fluid valve, wherein annular outer and core inner coaxial valve members are adapted to move to and fro slidably relative to one another and to bar upstream-to-downstream fluid flow when mutually juxtaposed into seated position but adapted to enable such flow when spaced apart in unseated position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Inventor: Robert A. Jaeger
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Patent number: 5238023Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises at least one valve device having a chamber, an inlet and an outlet. A moveable member in the chamber is arranged to displace a membrane such that the membrane is rolled against the wall of the chamber between a closing position at which the membrane covers the opening of the outlet and an opening position at which the opening of the outlet is uncovered. A flow passage is formed for a fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The moveable member is provided with an entrainment member arranged to extend into and be displaced in the flow passage during at least a substantial part of the displacement of the membrane between closing and opening positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Alfa-Laval Agri International ABInventor: Kristoffer H. Olofsson
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Patent number: 5163473Abstract: A valve system for use on vehicles for automatic fuel delivery to the vehicle fuel tank. An entry member having a conical passage is arranged on the fuel filler door of the vehicle. A valve body located behind the fuel filler door includes a sliding valve member which alternatively opens and closes a central passageway coupled with the vehicle fuel tank. An actuator system employs an actuation switch as well as a safety switch requiring the ignition of the vehicle to be off. Compressed air is controlled by the switch to open and close the valve member through a control cable. An automatic delivery system is associated with the valve system and employs three tracks orthogonally arranged with one track mounting a fuel nozzle to interact with the valve system.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1990Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Inventor: Rudolph A. Strnad, Jr.
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Patent number: 5150876Abstract: A servo valve comprises an electrical winding, an armature, flapper means fixed to the armature and a feedback arrangement including a radially extending plug fixed to an end of one of the arms of the flapper arrangement. The plug is located within the fluid flow of a supply bore and is deflected according to the flow. This deflection is passed back to the flapper to vary its position relative to the jet pipe nozzles thus offering feedback control.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Inventor: Gerald W. Pickard
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Patent number: 5137252Abstract: A power steering device using a generally triangular valve member selectively pivoted by the pressurization of two chambers on either side of such valve member.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1991Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignee: White Hydraulics, Inc.Inventor: Hollis N. White
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Patent number: 5094426Abstract: Metering valve assembly having a poppet movable relative to a valve seat for controlling communication through an orifice. The poppet is urged toward the valve seat with a closing force, and the poppet can be adjusted gradually to provide a fine adjustment of the communication through the orifice. An actuator is operably connected to the poppet to overcome the closing force and move the poppet rapidly to a preset position. When the actuator is not actuated the closing force urges the poppet toward the valve seat to provide a positive shut-off.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: John Zajac
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Patent number: 5090658Abstract: An improved rotary valve is provided with a bellows surrounding a bent shaft to create a hermetic seal and thereby prevent fluid loss from the interior of the valve body. The shaft is provided within a seal assembly housing, and has a lower end axis offset from the valve stem axis, and an upper end axis offset from the lower end axis. The bellows is fixedly secured at its upper end to the seal assembly housing and at its lower end to an end cap to prevent fluid within the cavity from passing out the seal assembly housing. An epicyclic gearing assembly is provided within the cavity and mechanically interconnects the lower end of the shaft to the valve stem. An actuator may be provided for connection with the upper end of the shaft for rotating the shaft. The activating device of the present invention may be used for rotating various members mounted within an enclosure with sealing the enclosure from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1991Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Keystone International, Inc.Inventor: Dan P. Kusmer
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Patent number: 5074519Abstract: A fail-close hydraulically actuated control choke includes a choke with inlet and outlet flow passages intersecting in a cylindrical flow chamber. A reverse acting trim configuration which utilizes downstream pressure to assist in closing includes a flow cage with a wear sleeve of tungsten carbide shrink fitted therein is reciprocable within the flow chamber to control flow between the inlet and outlet flow passages. The flow cage is closed at one end with a stem extending therefrom which is reciprocated by a fail-close hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a pressure responsive piston in combination with a torque operated driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is positioned within the piston and includes a traveling nut assembly to allow manual positioning of the stem and flow cage independently of the position of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventor: Ronald G. Pettus
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Patent number: 5056544Abstract: The recreational vehicle has a valve which is remotely controlled to permit remote draining of the drain water tank. The method of flushing the tank, including remote control of the drain valves is also included.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
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Patent number: 5052430Abstract: A fluid powered valve actuator is disclosed for a valve having a valve body and a threaded valve stem for connecting to the actuator to be reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to open and close the valve. The actuator includes an actuator housing for attaching to the valve body, a fluid motor mounted on the housing having a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and a piston rod having one end attached to the piston. To connect the valve stem to the piston rod, a connecting block having a threaded opening in one end is screwed onto the threads on the valve stem. An opening in the other end of the block receives the end of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignee: G. H. BettisInventor: Wayne L. Trautwein